Clinical Administrative Specialist in Idaho Career Overview
As a Clinical Administrative Specialist, you play an essential role in the healthcare system, bridging the gap between clinical and administrative functions. This position is vital to the smooth operation of healthcare facilities, as you ensure that administrative tasks are carried out efficiently to support patient care.
Key responsibilities you will undertake include:
- Coordinating patient schedules and managing appointments to optimize the use of healthcare resources.
- Maintaining accurate medical records and documentation, which is crucial for patient safety and regulatory compliance.
- Communicating with patients, providers, and insurance companies to facilitate care and resolve any issues that may arise.
- Assisting in the billing processes, ensuring that claims are processed accurately and timely, which directly impacts the financial health of the facility.
- Implementing and maintaining office procedures that streamline operations and enhance the overall patient experience.
Your role significantly contributes to the functioning of healthcare services, as effective administration improves patient outcomes and organizational efficiency. By managing the operational aspects of clinical practices, you enable healthcare professionals to focus more on patient care, ultimately enhancing the quality of services provided in the community.
Clinical Administrative Specialist Salary in Idaho
Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
Required Education To Become a Clinical Administrative Specialist in Idaho
To become a Clinical Administrative Specialist, it is essential to have the appropriate educational qualifications and training. Below are the relevant college degree programs that will help you prepare for this role:
Health and Medical Administrative Services
- This program covers the management and administration of health services and prepares you for various administrative positions in healthcare settings.
Healthcare Information Privacy Assurance and Security
- Focuses on the protection of patient information and compliance with healthcare regulations, providing knowledge crucial for safeguarding health data.
Medical Administrative Executive Assistant and Medical Secretary
- This degree equips you with the skills needed for administrative roles within medical offices, emphasizing the responsibilities of supporting healthcare professionals.
Medical Office Administration
- Offers coursework in medical billing, coding, and office management, essential for managing the administrative functions of medical practices.
Health Care Administration and Management
- This program prepares you to oversee operations in healthcare organizations, blending administrative expertise with knowledge of healthcare systems.
Completing any of these degree programs will offer a solid foundation for a successful career as a Clinical Administrative Specialist.
Best Schools to become a Clinical Administrative Specialist in Idaho 2024
Western Governors University
Ultimate Medical Academy
Southern New Hampshire University
Purdue University Global
Capella University
Ashford University
- Perform secretarial duties using specific knowledge of medical terminology and hospital, clinic, or laboratory procedures.
- Duties may include scheduling appointments, billing patients, and compiling and recording medical charts, reports, and correspondence.
Clinical Administrative Specialist Required Skills and Competencies in Idaho
Strong Communication Skills: You must effectively communicate with healthcare professionals, patients, and administrative staff. This includes both verbal and written communication, ensuring clarity and professionalism.
Organizational Abilities: You need to manage multiple tasks and prioritize workload efficiently. Keeping appointments, patient records, and documentation organized is essential to ensure smooth operations.
Attention to Detail: You should possess a keen eye for detail, as accuracy in data entry, record-keeping, and compliance with regulations is paramount in a clinical setting.
Technological Proficiency: Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems, medical billing software, and other technology solutions is necessary for managing patient information and health documentation.
Customer Service Orientation: A strong focus on patient and family satisfaction is important. You should aim to create a welcoming atmosphere and handle inquiries or concerns professionally.
Problem-Solving Skills: You must be able to identify issues and develop effective solutions promptly, especially in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
Knowledge of Medical Terminology: A solid understanding of medical terminology is necessary for accurately processing information and communicating within the healthcare team.
Regulatory Knowledge: You should stay informed about healthcare regulations and compliance standards, including HIPAA, to ensure the organization adheres to legal requirements.
Team Collaboration: You will work closely with various healthcare professionals, making teamwork and collaboration skills essential for achieving common goals.
Time Management: You should manage your time well to meet deadlines and ensure timely completion of tasks without compromising quality.
Financial Acumen: An understanding of medical billing, coding practices, and insurance processes can enhance your effectiveness in managing administrative aspects of patient care.
Job Duties for Clinical Administrative Specialists
Answer telephones and direct calls to appropriate staff.
Complete insurance or other claim forms.
Schedule and confirm patient diagnostic appointments, surgeries, or medical consultations.
Accounting software
- Billing software
- Intuit QuickBooks
Medical software
- Epic Systems
- MEDITECH software
Word processing software
- Google Docs
- Microsoft Word
Basic Skills
- Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
- Talking to others
Problem Solving
- Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Job Market and Opportunities for Clinical Administrative Specialist in Idaho
The job market for Clinical Administrative Specialists in Idaho reflects a growing demand for skilled professionals in healthcare administration. Here are some key points to consider:
Increased Demand: The aging population and the expansion of healthcare facilities have significantly increased the demand for Clinical Administrative Specialists. Hospitals, outpatient clinics, and long-term care facilities are particularly in need of these professionals to manage administrative tasks effectively.
Growth Potential: The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady growth for healthcare administrative roles, including Clinical Administrative Specialists. This growth is fueled by the ongoing need to improve healthcare delivery and efficiency, manage patient records, and navigate complex healthcare regulations.
Geographical Hotspots: In Idaho, certain regions exhibit a higher concentration of job opportunities:
- Boise: As the state capital and the most populous city, Boise has numerous healthcare institutions that require Clinical Administrative Specialists.
- Idaho Falls: This area has experienced growth in healthcare services, creating roles in hospitals and clinics.
- Coeur d’Alene: Known for its recreational opportunities, this city also hosts medical facilities that offer employment for administrative specialists.
- Pocatello: Home to health systems and medical colleges, Pocatello is a growing hub for healthcare-related jobs.
Diversity of Opportunities: Clinical Administrative Specialists may find roles in various settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Private practices
- Outpatient clinics
- Rehabilitation facilities
- Insurance companies
Networking and Professional Development: Joining local healthcare associations or participating in professional events can enhance job prospects. Networking with professionals in the field can provide valuable insights and lead to job openings.
Impact of Technology: The increasing use of technology in healthcare is shaping the roles of Clinical Administrative Specialists. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) systems and health information management software is beneficial and can open additional avenues for employment.
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the role of Clinical Administrative Specialists remains vital, ensuring that organizations operate smoothly while providing quality care to patients across Idaho.
Top Related Careers to Clinical Administrative Specialist 2024
Additional Resources To Help You Become a Clinical Administrative Specialist in Idaho
American Healthcare Administrative Management (AHAM)
- Website: www.aham.org
- Overview: AHAM offers resources on healthcare administration, including certifications, training programs, and professional development opportunities.
American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
- Website: www.aama-ntl.org
- Overview: AAMA provides information on medical assisting, including educational resources, certification details, and career development strategies.
National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM)
- Website: www.naham.org
- Overview: This organization promotes professional development for healthcare access management, providing resources for education and certification.
National Certification Board for Medical Assistants (NCBMA)
- Website: www.ncbma.org
- Overview: NCBMA offers certification programs which validate the competencies of professionals in medical administration roles.
American Hospital Association (AHA)
- Website: www.aha.org
- Overview: AHA provides resources for hospital management and administration, including research, data, and advocacy tools.
Idaho Division of Professional-Technical Education
- Website: www.pte.dhw.idaho.gov
- Overview: Explore local technical education programs and resources related to healthcare administration in Idaho.
Coursera - Healthcare Administration Courses
- Website: www.coursera.org
- Overview: Offers various online courses focused on healthcare administration, including regulatory, financial, and operational aspects.
Mayo Clinic Social Media Network
- Website: socialmedia.mayoclinic.org
- Overview: A platform that includes resources on the integration of social media in healthcare administration, focusing on best practices and policy development.
LinkedIn Learning
- Website: www.linkedin.com/learning
- Overview: Search for courses related to clinical administration, healthcare management, and organizational skills essential for success in the field.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
- Website: www.cms.gov
- Overview: Understand the regulations and policies governing healthcare administration, including compliance guidelines and billing processes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Clinical Administrative Specialist in Idaho
What does a Clinical Administrative Specialist do?
A Clinical Administrative Specialist manages administrative tasks in healthcare settings, such as scheduling appointments, maintaining patient records, billing and insurance processing, and ensuring compliance with regulations.What qualifications do I need to become a Clinical Administrative Specialist in Idaho?
A minimum of a high school diploma is required, though many employers prefer candidates with an associate degree or certification in healthcare administration or a related field. Relevant experience in healthcare or administrative roles can also be beneficial.Are there certification programs available for Clinical Administrative Specialists?
Yes, there are several certification programs available, such as the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) and the Administrative Specialist Certification from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). These credentials can enhance your qualifications and job prospects.What skills are important for a Clinical Administrative Specialist?
Key skills include strong organizational abilities, attention to detail, communication skills, proficiency with medical software and office systems, and knowledge of medical terminology and healthcare regulations.What is the job outlook for Clinical Administrative Specialists in Idaho?
The job outlook is steady, with growth anticipated due to the expanding healthcare industry. Increased administrative needs in healthcare facilities will likely sustain demand for qualified professionals.What is the typical salary for a Clinical Administrative Specialist in Idaho?
Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and the specific healthcare setting. However, the average salary typically ranges from $35,000 to $50,000 annually, with potential for higher earnings through advanced roles or additional certifications.Where can I find job openings for Clinical Administrative Specialists in Idaho?
Job openings can be found on various platforms, including healthcare-specific job boards, general job search engines like Indeed and LinkedIn, and through local healthcare facilities' career pages.What are some common career advancement opportunities for Clinical Administrative Specialists?
Advancement may include roles such as office manager, healthcare administrator, or clinical practice manager. Further education and specialized certifications can enhance opportunities for promotion within the field.What kind of work environment can I expect as a Clinical Administrative Specialist?
You will typically work in settings such as hospitals, clinics, private practices, and other healthcare facilities. The environment is often fast-paced, with a strong focus on patient interaction and support.Is it necessary to have experience in the healthcare field to become a Clinical Administrative Specialist?
While not always required, previous experience in a healthcare environment can be highly beneficial. It often helps you understand the specific administrative needs and challenges faced in medical settings.